Itineraries

Stunning South India: A land of scents and colors 14 days/13 nights

Destinations

Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Thekaddy - Kumarakom Houseboat - Cochin - Banglore - Mysore - Hassan – Banglore

Trip Overview

On this trip, you can get to feel the beauty of of South India. You see beautiful temple towns and charming landscapes. Experience the Indian traditions closely and take in the magnificence of the unspoiled nature. You will stay in beautiful hotel resorts and enjoy the rides through tea and cardamom plantations. Enjoy romantic houseboat journeys through the palm-lined water channels of the backwaters

Specialty :

Beautiful landscapes and outstanding architecture, Culture and relaxation.

Highlights :
  • Relaxing houseboat tour of the backwaters with overnight stay in the houseboat
  • Absorb yourself in into the Hindu temple architecture of different eras
  • The great temple of the Chola Dynasty (UNESCO World Heritage)

Day 01 :Flight to Chennai / Madras

On arrival you will be received by a representative at the airport.Depending on your arrival you will be transferred to the hotel in Delhi or the tour begins.Namaste and Welcome in India.

Day 02 :Chennai - Mahabalipuram / Mamallapuram (about 55 km)

After breakfast, explore Chennai, South India's bustling metropolis that combines the colonial heritage with Indian tradition. During the city tour you will visit Fort St. George and St. Thomas Cathedral. Both reflect the colonial and elaborate Kapalishvara Temple which shows the deep-rooted religiosity of South India. Afterwards drive to the beaches of the Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 :Mahabalipuram (about 150 km)

In the morning visit the temples (UNESCO World Heritage), which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu among others. In a picturesque location surrounded by sandy beaches and the sea, you can study the main temple forms here. In the afternoon, spend time relaxing on the beach.Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 :Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (130 km)

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a cozy and quiet town. Since it was a French colony before, you are always able to discover the French influences. On the city tour you will visit the ashram of Sri Aurobindo and the famous Vedapureswarar, Varadaraja Perumal and Manakula Vinayakar temple. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 05 :Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Tanjore / Thanjavur (about 200 km)

Today we drive to Tanjore. En route visit Chidambaram an outstanding place of pilgrimage for every Hindu. The story of the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram dates back about 2,000 years. He is one of the oldest temples in South India. Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 06 :Tanjore-Trichy-Tanjore (approx.130 km)

On a day trip you will visit the temple city of Tiruchirapalli. Trichy as it is briefly mentioned, which is home to probably the largest temple complex of Southern India with Srirangam. His golden roofs rise from a green palm sea. Furthermore impress the Jambukeshwara-and the rock fort temple, symbol of the city, situated on a massive rocky hill. Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 07 :Tanjore-Madurai (about 185 km)

The highlight in Tanjore is the Temple Brihadishvara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its 95 meters height, it is one of India's most historic buildings. Small villages, subsequently move to Madurai. Lush green paddy fields and shady palm trees line the road to Madurai. Overnight in hotel in Madurai.

Day 08 :Madurai-Thekkady (approx. 130 km)

Before you leave Madurai Today you can see the Nayaka Palace. Experience the morning ceremonies at the Meenakshi Temple, India's largest temple complex: A never-ending stream of pilgrims and magnificent images of the Gods keep you under the spell of Hinduism. Through the cardamom hills drive towards Periyar Wildlife Reserve, where tropical birds, bison, sambar deer and elephants live. Overnight in hotel.

Day 09 :Thekkady- Kumarakom Houseboat (140 Km)

Morning boat ride on the Periyar Lake, from here leave the wild animals in the nature reserve observed particularly well. During the visit to a local spice plantation you can see with your own eyes where the pepper grows. On a twisty ride it continues to Kumarakom. Along the way, have beautiful views of tea, coffee, cocoa and spice plantations. In Kumarakom experience a boat ride through the fascinating landscapes of the backwaters, an exotic maze of palm-fringed lagoons, rivers and canals. On board there is everything you need for a pleasant ride and overnight: one bedroom with a comfortable bed, an attached toilet with wash basin, an airy lounge. An overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 10 :Kumarakom Houseboat-Cochin (70km)

Enjoy the morning atmosphere on board and the sunrise in the backwaters. Fishermen come to the water for fishing and the villages on the banks wake up to a bustling activity. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life experience Palm seas and heavenly silence before you familiarize yourself with your coach / car on the way to the port city of Cochin. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 11 :Cochin

After breakfast city tour of Cochin: "The Pearl of the Arabian Sea". You see in the old town Fort Cochin, among other things, the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, the famous Chinese fishing nets, the St. Francis church with the tomb of Vasco d Gama and much more. Stroll through the colorful spice and antique markets. In the evening you have the opportunity to attend a Kathakali performance.

Day 12 :Cochin-Bangalore (Flight) - Mysore

From Cochin to Bangalore- by domestic flight (Duration 1 hour 30 minutes). Arrival in Bangalore. Continue drive to Mysore. Mysore is Karnataka's second largest city and famous for its Sandel wood plantations. The tour leads to Maharajapalast to flower and spice market and to Chamundi Hill with stunning views over the city. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 :Mysore-Hassan (about 155 km)

In Sravana Belgola you rise reverently upon the holy mountain of Jain with the largest monolith statue in the world. Thousands of delicately carved sculptures adorn the magnificent temples of the Hoysala kings in Belur and Halebid - true highlights of Indian stone carving. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 :Hassan-Bangalore (about 200 km)

Today your destination is Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka. The city is an example of the coexistence of tradition and modernity. IT technology and gods worship not seem to bother each other here, both has its place. Visit the Botanical Garden and the so-called Bull Temple. Depending on your departure time, farewell dinner and / or transfer to the airport.

An individual extension program can be booked. Prices and information on request.

Inclusive services per person
  • Tour and Transfer in air-conditioned bus (minibus) / car with driver
  • Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels / resorts and houseboat
  • 14 nights’ accommodation in a double or single room with bath or shower / WC, telephone, air conditioning
  • Daily breakfast
  • Visit to an Indian family to get to closely observe the daily lives of Indians
  • City tours, sightseeing and entrance fees as described
  • Domestic flight Cochin Bangalore in Economy Class
  • Visit a traditional Kathakali dance show
  • Boat cruise on the Periyar Lake
  • Houseboat Tour Overnight on the backwaters and full board
  • Visit of tea and spice plantations
  • Qualified English-speaking guide throughout the tour / in any place
Exclusions
  • International Flights
  • Video camera charges or camera ticket at various places of sightseeing.
  • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like roadblocks, vehicle mal-functioning, political disturbances etc.
  • Any Expenses of personal nature such as portage at hotels, tips, insurance, mineral water, telephone charges, meals (except those mentioned) all items of personal nature.
  • Any insurance, emergency evacuation charges or any refund for the same reason.
  • Any other item not specified in the “inclusions”
Note :
  • Cost is subject to change according to the number of persons and time of the year.
  • Accompanying Travelling Tour guide for a group more than 4 persons will be additional.
  • Program can be modified according to the requirement of the guests, and cost may vary accordingly.

Please contact us at shivohamdestinations@gmail.com for more details and prices.